Students at Biola University benefit from exceptional loan repayment success, with graduates maintaining a 0% federal default rate that reflects strong financial management and career preparation.
The university's nursing program stands out for delivering substantial earnings that place graduates well above national averages in healthcare fields.
Biola University is a private Christian institution in La Mirada, California, that combines liberal arts education with faith-based values. While the university doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for overall value, it serves students seeking a distinctive educational experience rooted in Christian principles. Graduates earn a median of $56,778 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the 65th percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in specific professional programs, particularly nursing, where graduates achieve strong financial returns. However, the overall value proposition reflects the premium pricing typical of private institutions, with net prices ranging from $23,001 for low-income students to $35,263 for higher-income families. For students who prioritize the integration of faith and learning, along with the close-knit community that comes with a medium-sized private college, Biola offers a focused educational environment.
As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, Biola demonstrates moderate success in supporting students from diverse backgrounds, though access remains more limited than at public universities. The university's 69% six-year graduation rate and strong loan repayment patterns suggest that students who enroll generally complete their degrees and manage their debt successfully.
Biola University's program portfolio reflects its mission as a Christian liberal arts institution, with the strongest financial returns concentrated in professional fields like nursing. The Adult Health Nursing program, graduating 59 students annually, delivers exceptional outcomes with median earnings of $74,576 ten years post-graduation, representing both strong individual returns and the program's highest aggregate economic impact.
Psychology dominates enrollment with 94 graduates, making it the university's largest program, though early-career earnings around $27,091 reflect the field's typical trajectory toward graduate school or service-oriented careers. American Government and Politics, with 25 graduates earning approximately $40,188, represents the middle ground between service-focused and professionally-oriented programs.
The university's program mix emphasizes preparation for careers in healthcare, education, ministry, and social services—fields that align with Christian values of service but often prioritize mission over maximum earning potential. Students choosing Biola typically understand this trade-off, valuing the integration of faith and learning alongside career preparation. The nursing program's success demonstrates that when Biola focuses on professional fields with clear career pathways, graduates can achieve strong financial outcomes that justify the private college investment.
Biola University graduates achieve solid long-term earnings, with a median of $56,778 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 65th percentile nationally. However, graduates earn somewhat less than might be expected given the institution's selectivity and private college premium, with earnings running about $20,000 below what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This gap reflects the university's focus on fields like psychology, education, and ministry that typically offer strong personal fulfillment but more moderate financial returns.
The strongest financial outcomes come from Biola's nursing program, where 59 graduates earn a median of $74,576 ten years out, representing the highest aggregate return among the university's programs. Psychology remains the largest major with 94 graduates, though these students see more modest earnings around $27,091 early in their careers. American Government and Politics graduates, while fewer in number at 25 students, achieve middle-ground earnings of approximately $40,188.
The university's program mix reflects its liberal arts mission and Christian focus, with substantial enrollment in psychology, education, and ministry-related fields. While these programs align with many students' calling and values, they typically lead to careers in social services, education, and nonprofit work that prioritize service over maximum earning potential. Students choosing Biola often weigh financial outcomes against the value of faith integration, community, and preparation for service-oriented careers.
Affordability represents Biola University's most significant challenge, with the institution ranking in the bottom 20% nationally for affordability. Net prices vary substantially by family income, with low-income students paying $23,001 annually, middle-income families facing $25,038, and higher-income households seeing costs rise to $35,263. These figures reflect the substantial premium associated with private Christian education, where tuition and fees significantly exceed public university alternatives.
Debt levels mirror the higher costs, with typical graduates carrying $23,875 in federal student loans and families often supplementing with Parent PLUS loans averaging $35,935. The combined debt burden places considerable financial pressure on families, particularly those in middle-income brackets who may not qualify for substantial need-based aid but still find the full cost challenging. However, the university's 0% federal loan default rate suggests that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, likely supported by strong career services and alumni networks.
For families considering Biola, the affordability equation depends heavily on how much value they place on the Christian educational experience. The premium pricing reflects smaller class sizes, faith integration across the curriculum, and a tight-knit community environment. Families who prioritize these elements may find the investment worthwhile, while those focused primarily on financial return on investment might find better value at public institutions or less expensive private colleges.
Biola University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
